Target Audience:
Families, commercial use (passenger transport)
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Montana
Practicality:
Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, sliding rear doors.
Powertrain Options:
Reliable V6 engines known for adequate power and towing capability.
Value Proposition:
Offered a strong balance of features, space, and affordability within its segment.
Engine:
3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (L32), 2.4L I4 (EDZ - less common, but possible)
Transmission:
41TE (Automatic Transaxle)
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum/disc (depending on trim/options), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Suspension:
Front independent strut, rear torsion beam axle with trailing arms
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, charging, starting, accessories, power windows/locks, HVAC controls.
Body:
Body repair, interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, HVAC system, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system.
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, timing belt/chain service (if applicable), component replacement (alternator, starter, water pump, etc.).
Transmission Repair:
Transmission fluid service, filter replacement, torque converter replacement, internal component diagnostics and repair (if applicable for the transaxle).
Brake Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, caliper service, brake line inspection/replacement, ABS bleeding.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut/shock replacement, ball joint service, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump/rack replacement, wheel alignment procedures.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Component testing, circuit diagnosis using wiring diagrams, fuse/relay identification and testing, sensor diagnostics.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant recharge, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), blower motor, heater core service.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, transmission fluid changes.
Diagnostics:
Comprehensive diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with explanations and pinpoint tests.
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls, component rebuilding specifications.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all critical fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, and tolerances.
Displacement 1:
3.3 Liters
Configuration 1:
3.3L V6 SOHC
Horsepower 1:
180 HP @ 5000 RPM (approx.)
Torque 1:
205 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM (approx.)
Displacement 2:
3.8 Liters
Configuration 2:
3.8L V6 OHV (Supercharged variant available on some trims)
Horsepower 2:
200 HP @ 5000 RPM (approx.)
Torque 2:
225 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM (approx.)
Induction:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emissions Controls:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 stars (for models with side airbags, refer to specific year/trim for details)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 stars (for models with side airbags, refer to specific year/trim for details)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for later models, earlier versions varied)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models.
Traction Control:
Available on some higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags available on select trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in second row.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions; refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (OEM spec); 30,000 miles for standard copper plugs.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (filter and fluid change).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions, consult manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.8 quarts (3.3L), 4.0 quarts (3.8L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Mopar).
Coolant Capacity:
~12-13 quarts
Transmission Problems:
Intermittent shifting issues, torque converter shudder, solenoid pack failures in the 41TE transmission.
Engine Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (3.3L), lifter noise, occasional head gasket issues.
Suspension Wear:
Worn front struts, ball joints, and control arm bushings due to vehicle weight and use.
Power Door Lock Actuators:
Common failure of the power sliding door and tailgate lock actuators.
Evaporator Core:
Leaking HVAC evaporator core, leading to loss of AC and potential water damage inside.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for performance and utility vehicles.
Generation Context:
The 2001-2007 Dodge Caravan represents the fourth generation of the long-running Chrysler minivan platform (NS body style for 2001-2007).
Key Design Changes:
While based on the previous generation's core design, this generation saw updates to styling, interior features, and powertrain enhancements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
